Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Acid Pads

I have never knowingly used anything actually from Superdrug before. At least I can't remember it if I have and what an introduction these Naturally Radiant Glycolic Acid Pads are.

Nowadays I see people spending extravagant amounts of money on skincare. Of course if you have the money and skincare is your jam then go for it but I know that I for one definitely splurge on skincare when frankly I have enough to get me through the next six months at least. If you, like many are really changing the way you look after your skin then this is actually a great way to save yourself some money - I think this is just as good as other AHA 'toners' I have used and at the time of writing these were cut to be £2.95. You get 60 pads which is at least 2 months worth but probably longer if you don't use them everyday.

My Current Morning Skincare Routine - October 2014

This is something that changes quite a lot but I feel that I've found a combination of products that really work well for my skin and what it needs at the moment. I've done separate reviews on some of these products (there will be links below) and I might do a video on my YouTube channel to go with this post eventually but I thought it would be useful to have it all written down somewhere... so here it is!

Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser - when I first tried this I wasn't that sure, it felt almost drying on my skin but now my skin is generally less dehydrated it's really doing a lovely job of cleansing my skin every morning. And I do prefer to use this in the morning, I want a rich balm cleanser in the evening. £35

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads - to brighten, tone and exfoliate, these are gentle enough to use every day but really effective. You get sixty pads per pot and since using them I've had no more dry patches on my forehead and visibly brighter skin. You can read my full review of them here. £20.50

Pixi Glow Tonic

OR

Pixi Glow Tonic - this has become a cult product and is the one to go for if you want a cleanser with no alcohol in it. This is my absolute favourite desert island toner, I trust it completely. Gently exfoliating it removes dead skin cells for healthier looking skin - you can read my full review of it here. £18

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum - again the difference in my skin since using this has been incredible. A real morning boost, quickly absorbed. I've done a separate review of this here. Not cheap worth the money, and frankly a lot cheaper than a lot of serums out there. £18-£65

Yves Rocher Inositol Vegetal - I've been trying to write a full review on this for ages but I just never seem to get round to it and it's possible to find much info on it from Yves Rocher. I love this product.I use it most mornings and it's made my skin noticeably more radiant after consistent use. It contains citrus and AHA's to renew and resurface. Currently £6.50 instead of £19

Yves Rocher Inositol Vegetal

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

There are so many reasons why you need to have these Facial Radiance Pads in you bathroom. They will make a visible difference to your skin, improve it's clarity, diminish the appearance of fine lines - a must for those who are just to lazy to tone because these badboys actually work. I've been using these most mornings for the past month and I can't imagine not having them in my skincare arsenal. They are so good that they are worth getting and using once or twice a week if you are on a budget and want them to last for longer.

I have to confess this is the first product I've used from First Aid Beauty (FAB) a US company developed by Lilli Gordon in 2009 as an antidote to all the products she had used that either worked but felt medicinal or didn't work at all! The packaging may be simple but it's stylish and appealing.  Having tried these I am desperate to get my hands on some of the other FAB products to see if they are all as good. I've only heard good things about this company.

The lactic and glycolic acid exfoliate, the Indian gooseberry tones, and the lemon peel and licorice root brighten. I haven't had to exfoliate since I started using them (I have not felt the need to exfoliate since I started using them) which makes me feel like they're even better for my skin because I'm doing less to it. They are free from alcohol and allergens but remember that if you do use these use sunscreen because AHA's can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage. I can't imagine my skincare regime with these not in it.

What You Need to Know - First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

• Approximately £16-£20
• 60 pads per pot
• Contains lactic and glycolic acids, lemon peel, licorice root and Indian gooseberry
• Suitable for all skin types including acne prone and sensitive
• Available from Look Fantastic, feelunique.com and beautybay.com

Pixi Glow Tonic

A while a good I did some investigating into toners (the majority of non-industry people I speak to had no idea what they actually did) and ever since I've been using a toner every day and I have noticed a difference in my skin. Whilst doing my research I heard a lot of good things about Pixi Glow Tonic but it was always out of stock online (as it is now) and their London store is in Soho, not somewhere I go during opening hours since having a baby.

Last week however I was on my way to Illamasqua to see the amazing Julia Townend give a body painting demo and found myself right outside Pixi so in I went and out I came with the Glow Tonic. It's impossible to not try this out - it's £16 for 250ml which is incredibly reasonable considering how much you can pay for skincare products now.

I have used it every day twice a day since buying it and my skin has transformed. It is alcohol free and slews away dead skin cells leaving your face looking visibly brighter and fresher than before helping tone and tighten skin making this perfect for dull, sensitive or ageing skin.

Dermaviduals Soothing Toner - Product of the Week

For mainly hormonal but partly heat related issues I've been a bit spotty this week and my Dermaviduals Soothing toner has been really helping it all calm down. The weather in London has been so humid and sticky that your face feels grubby by the end of the day whatever you've been doing so do properly look after it in the evening feels even more necessary than usual - I love this toner.

Toners

A while ago Darphin's Intral Toner was my Product of the Week and I confessed to not really know what a toner should be doing and why you should use one. Cue me doing lots of research into toners, their uses and ingredients.

The term 'toner' now seems to cover a lot of products that actually do different things. The skin has an acid mantle of sweat andoils that you produce naturally. A cleanser will strip these away and change the pH balance. A little oil is a good thing as the acids prevent bacteria build up but a good toner will keep very oily skin in check. The delicate balance of the oils in the skin means normal soap is usually too harsh for the softer skin on your face. So a routine of using the right cleansers, toners and moisturisers is better than scrubbing away with soap everyday.

Life is dehydrating - heating, air conditioners, smoke, traffic all dry the skin out. A good toner can re-balance the skin after cleansing, reduce the penetration of impurities and environmental contaminants to the skin, gently exfoliate without using any harsh grains, hydrate the skin by attracting moisture from the air and help your moisturiser absorb into the skin. Traditional toners soothe while the more astringent toners tighten the skin and remove oil. Refreshing toners tighten the skin and are usually alcohol free, balancing the pH of the skin after cleansing. Though it's worth mentioning the skin would normally do this naturally after half an hour or so.

Your toners should contain a humectant (for example glycerin) to attract and keep moisture. Astringent toners with a high proportion of alcohol (20-60%) are good for oily skin. Alcohol is alright in toners if they are concentrated by glycerin. It's the alcohol in a toner which makes your skin feel tight after use.

Anything using AHA's (alpha hydroxy acid) must have a warning on it as it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun but actually glycolic is the only one that has this effect. Of course really you should always use an SPF when going out in the sun.
Ingredients to look out for:

• Glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids loosen excess accumulation of dead skin and exfoliates.
• Witch-hazel tones and firms.
• Ginseng naturally supplies the skin with oxygen.
• Pineapple is an anti-inflamatory 
• Papaya extract hydrates
• Alpine herbs soften and plump the skin
• Salicylic acid causes the skin cells to shed more easily.
• Peony flower extract or royal jelly are good for moisture in toners.

Some of my favourite toners are the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads, Pixi Glow Tonic and Environ AVST toner for when I need something really basic.

Darphin Intral Toner - Product of the Week

I'm always hot and cold on toners because I'm never sure if they are actually doing anything. I've just started using Darphin Intral Toner and I'm sure it's to become a regular in my morning and evening routines - not harsh but reviving and my skin is looking great so it must be doing something. I will look into the technical side of toners to find out more as this has definitely converted me. Post to come soon.

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic - (Product 2 - Top 10 for 2010)

I know I reviewed a Liz Earle product last month but as they are supposed to be used together I thought it made sense to try out this Instant Boost Skin Tonic immediately after. I was really blown away by the Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and although my skin feels a lot smoother since using the Instant Boost Skin Tonic I couldn't really see any difference - however, I have been told by a couple of people how great my skin's been looking so it obviously is working!

At first I thought it was a bit drying but actually it's really not and although I always moisturise after using skin tonics I've been using a really small amount just to give a little extra moisture and I'm really impressed with how this has helped my skin look clear and smooth (and it gave me a great excuse to try out the Skin Repair Moisturiser which is great - a tiny amount makes a big difference). The Instant Boost Skin Tonic is so refreshing and contains Vitamin E (which is a great antioxidant and a must for those of you in cities), cucumber and Aloe Vera which soothe and soften the skin and Glycerin which draws water from the atmosphere to the skin. I'm so impressed with all the Liz Earle products that I've tried that I really recommend that you get the Essentials Try Me Kit. It has everything in it that you need for only £21.75 so its also great for presents!